I’d like to share to all the readers this letter about a great resource available in the Luzerne County Controller’s Office.

In 2014, my staff and I set up a hotline — CESIL - “Citizens and Employee Suggestion and Idea Line” — so that any Luzerne County employee or resident can have a voice.

CESIL allows citizens the opportunity to offer their ideas, suggestions, comments, concerns, report fraud, or any other feedback under the safety of anonymity. Statistics show that nearly half of all workplace fraud is uncovered due to anonymous tips.

At least five of my office’s large audits originated from a CESIL tip. Also, other areas which did not warrant an audit, but did demand attention, were investigated and action was taken due to A CESIL tip.

CESIL submissions may be emailed to the office at [email protected] or call (570) 830-5154. Please note that purposely no person will answer the phone in order to ensure the caller’s anonymity. The caller is asked to leave a message, which we generally hear with the hour if it is received during work hours. Both email and hotline phone are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.